It seemed like Inez Kaiser loved hearing the word “No.” For example, when a white instructor told her to get out of a class she needed to graduate, she refused! She got her degree and became a home economics teacher. But she never stopped stepping up and breaking barriers.
Beyond teaching, Kaiser wrote fashion columns and a cookbook that made Southern soul food mainstream. Her popularity grew so much that 7-Up paid her for advice on how to reach Black consumers! But when jealous white businesses tried to thwart her success? You already know what she did!
She PURCHASED a building, smack in the middle of where their businesses were, and kept getting the attention of more and more national companies! Her white competitors were infuriated. But guess what?
Kaiser was an expert at effectively messaging our people. So she used her talent not only to be economically successful but to reach our people about civil rights, community organizing, and racism. Regardless of the bias she faced, she kept doing her thing!
She refused to allow white people to control her destiny. Perseverance can also serve us well in a world of white opposition, jealousy, and discrimination. To succeed, we’ve got to channel Inez Kaiser’s determination and never give up!